Cassette configurations to support platters having different diameters

ABSTRACT

A material handling apparatus adapted to support a plurality of disc-shaped platters, such as but not limited to a cassette assembly adapted to support data recording media or substrates during manufacturing. In some embodiments, a cassette assembly includes a base cassette with a base and opposing sidewalls configured to support an outermost perimeter of each of a first plurality of disc-shaped platters having a first diameter. An insert contactingly engages the base cassette. The insert has a plurality of spaced apart grooves to contactingly support an outermost perimeter of each of a second plurality of disc-shaped platters having a different, second diameter.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application makes a claim of domestic priority under 35U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/824,263filed May 16, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed toa material handling apparatus adapted to support a plurality ofdisc-shaped platters, such as but not limited to a cassette assemblyadapted to support data recording media or substrates duringmanufacturing.

In some embodiments, a cassette assembly includes a base cassette with abase and opposing sidewalls configured to support an outermost perimeterof each of a first plurality of disc-shaped platters having a firstdiameter. An insert contactingly engages the base cassette, the inserthaving a plurality of spaced apart grooves to contactingly support anoutermost perimeter of each of a second plurality of disc-shapedplatters having a different, second diameter.

In further embodiments, a cassette assembly includes a base cassettecharacterized as a substantially rectilinear box-like structure having abase, opposing first and second sidewalls extending upwardly from thebase, and partially open end walls extending upwardly from opposing endsof the base to adjoin the first and second sidewalls. A first set ofspaced apart grooves is formed in the first sidewall, and a second setof spaced apart grooves is formed in the second sidewall. The second setof spaced apart grooves is aligned with the first set of spaced apartgrooves to support outer perimeters of a first plurality of disc-shapedplatters having a first outermost diameter. First and second insertseach include an elongated member having length and width dimensionssubstantially corresponding to length and width dimensions of the firstand second sidewalls. Each elongated member has an outer surface and aninner surface. The inner surface of the first insert has a third set ofspaced apart grooves, and the inner surface of the second insert has afourth set of spaced part grooves. The fourth set of spaced part groovesis aligned with the third set of spaced apart grooves to support outerperimeters of a second plurality of disc-shaped platters having adifferent, second outermost diameter that varies from the firstoutermost diameter by a distance equal to or greater than 2 millimeters(mm).

In still further embodiments, an insert is provided for use with a basecassette. The base cassette has a base and opposing sidewalls configuredto support an outermost perimeter of each of a first plurality ofdisc-shaped platters having a first diameter. The insert has an insertsidewall configured to contactingly engage at least a selected one ofthe opposing sidewalls of the base cassette, the insert sidewallcomprising a plurality of spaced apart grooves to contactingly supportan outermost perimeter of each of a second plurality of disc-shapedplatters having a different, second diameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary substrate for use in a 3½ inch form factorhard disc drive (HDD) in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary substrate for use in a 2½ inch form factor HDDin accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, elevational view of another substrate thatmay correspond to the substrates of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is an end view of another enlarged substrate with a duboff (DO)zone.

FIG. 5 is an end view of another enlarged substrate with a ski jump (SJ)zone.

FIG. 6 is a functional block representation of a manufacturingprocessing applied to the substrates of FIGS. 1-5 in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a conveyor and automated equipment usefulin the manufacturing processing of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts a base cassette configured in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 9 shows a cassette assembly constructed and operated in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows use of the cassette assembly of FIG. 9 to support a set ofplatters having a first outermost diameter.

FIG. 11 shows use of the cassette assembly of FIG. 9 to support adifferent set of platters having a second outermost diameter.

FIG. 12 shows portions of the cassette assembly of FIG. 9 to illustratea first latching mechanism between the inserts and the base cassette.

FIG. 13 shows portions of the cassette assembly of FIG. 9 to illustratea second latching mechanism between the inserts and the base cassette.

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate grooves of the cassette assembly of FIG. 9 inconjunction with the respective substrate of FIGS. 3-5.

FIG. 15 shows another cassette assembly constructed and operated inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16 depicts a lid (top cover) of the cassette assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows use of the cassette assembly of FIG. 15 to support a setof platters having a first outermost diameter.

FIG. 18 shows use of the cassette assembly of FIG. 15 to support adifferent set of platters having a second outermost diameter.

FIG. 19 shows another cassette assembly constructed and operated inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 20 is an end view of the insert of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the insert of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 shows use of the cassette assembly of FIG. 19 to support a setof platters having a selected outermost diameter.

FIG. 23 shows another cassette assembly constructed and operated inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 24A-24B are top plan views of different sized inserts that can beused to support different sized platters.

FIG. 25 shows use of the cassette assembly of FIG. 23 to support a setof platters having a first outermost diameter.

FIG. 26 shows use of the cassette assembly of FIG. 23 to support adifferent set of platters having a second outermost diameter.

FIGS. 27-29 are schematic depictions of the cassette assembly of FIG. 23in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to cassette assembliesadapted to support disc-shaped platters, such as enlarged substrate andmagnetic recording media formed therefrom.

Magnetic recording media are often provided in the form of magneticrecording discs which are incorporated into a hard disc drive (HDD) datastorage device. The discs are rotated at a selected rotational velocityand accessed by a moveable read/write transducing head (“transducer”)which records and reads data in the form of magnetic domains.

The progression in the HDD industry from 14 inch, 11 inch, 8 inch, 5½inch, 3½ inch, 2½ inch to 1.8 inch and smaller storage device formfactors is well documented. The progression to successively smaller formfactor sizes was initiated by the floppy disk market, and followed byHDD manufacturers which produced HDDs of corresponding size. This was inpart due to the standardization of mounting sizes of computer bays thatcould be used to secure the respective floppy disk drives and hard discdrives.

Each smaller form factor was (and remains) generally half as wide andhalf as long as the immediately larger form factor. This essentiallyallows two smaller devices to fit in the space provided for one largerdevice. For example, a 3½ inch form factor HDD has length and widthdimensions of nominally 146.1 millimeters, mm (5.75 inches, in) by 101mm (4.00 in). A 2½ inch form factor HDD has length and width dimensionsof nominally 101 mm (4.00 in) by 73 mm (2.88 in), and so on.

Some of the earliest versions of commercially successful hard discdrives were referred to as “Winchester” drives, based on the so-called30/30 system configuration from International Business Machines (IBM).The smaller 8 inch and 5½ inch versions were also referred to as“Winchester” drives. Smaller form factor drives in what later becameknown as the 3½ inch form factor class were initially widely referred toas “Micro-Winchester” drives. The 2½ inch drives did not enjoy a commonmoniker but were sometimes referred to as either“Micro-Miniature-Winchester” or “Mini-Winchester” drives. The HDDindustry quickly standardized on a media size of 95 mm (OD) discs forthe 3½ inch form factor and 65 mm (OD) discs for the 2½ inch formfactor.

A typical magnetic recording disc comprises a magnetic recordingstructure that is formed on an underlying substrate. The recordingstructure can take a variety of forms and may include seed layers,interlayers, a soft underlayer, one or more magnetic recording layers, acarbon overcoat (COC) layer, a lubricant layer, etc. The substrate canbe formed from a suitable rigid, disc-shaped material such as glass,metal, etc.

For magnetic recording discs that are incorporated into 2½ inch formfactor and 3½ inch form factor HDDs, the substrates normally include aninner sidewall at a radius of 12.5 mm, an outer sidewall at a radius ofnominally 32.5 mm (for 65 mm discs) and 47.5 mm (for 95 mm discs),opposing top and bottom flat surfaces that extend substantially from theinner sidewall to the outer sidewall, and relatively small, inner andouter chamfered surfaces between the top and bottom flat surfaces andthe respective inner and outer sidewalls. The chamfered surfaces extendat a suitable angle, such as 45 degrees, and provide gripping surfacesfor use during manufacturing since it is generally undesirable tomechanically contact either the flat surfaces of the substrates or theflat surfaces of the completed magnetic recording media. Substratethicknesses can vary but may be on the order of around 1 mm.

A polishing process is often applied to a substrate prior to theformation of the recording structure thereon. The polishing process isintended to achieve a specified flatness for the top and bottom flatsurfaces of the substrate in terms of maximum axial deviation inlocalized changes in elevation of the substrate material.

One difficulty associated with the substrate polishing process relatesto relief zones that tend to be formed adjacent the respective inner andouter ends of the flat surfaces. The sharp junctions between the flatsurfaces and the respective inner and outer chamfered surfaces tend tobe treated as high points by the polishing process, so that abruptrelief zones may be formed on the substrate adjacent the inner and outersidewalls.

The relief zones can provide negative deviation or positive deviationfrom the elevation of the adjacent flat surface. Negative deviationrelief zones are sometimes referred to as duboff (DO) zones, andpositive deviation relief zones are sometimes referred to as ski jump(SJ) zones. The relief zones can extend a significant radial distanceacross the surfaces of the substrates, such as on the order of about 2mm. The transition point between the nominally flat surface and therelief zone is sometimes referred to a radius of rolloff (ROR) point.Thus, a typical ROR point may at a radius of about 45.5 mm for a 95 mmsubstrate/disc (collectively “platter”), and a typical ROR point may beat a radius of about 30.5 mm for a 65 mm platter.

As a data transducer is moved outwardly over a relief zone that changesin elevation away from the flat recording area of a disc, such as bycurving down in a DO zone or curving upwardly in an SJ zone, at somepoint the flight characteristics of the data transducer will becomeunstable and the transducer will experience a variety of undesiredflight characteristics including increased fly height, oscillationsand/or disc contact. In some cases it has been found that datatransducers become unstable responsive to a positive or negative changein elevation over a range beginning as little as about 100-200 nm. Asfly heights and transducing element sizes continue to decrease, it isexpected that sensitivity to elevational changes in the disc topographywill continue to increase, so that future heads will become unstable ateven lower elevational ranges.

Carrier type devices are often used during manufacturing to safely storeand transport substrates and magnetic recording media (discs). Suchdevices, sometimes referred to as cassettes, caddies, carriers,shippers, etc. (hereinafter generally “cassettes”) may be configured asbox-like structures with grooves to accommodate a plurality of axiallyaligned platters (substrates/discs). The structures are often open atthe top and at both ends to allow automated equipment to individuallyselect, remove and replace the various platters.

Production cassettes are open structures that are moved along a conveyorline or other automated path to advance the substrates and/or discs todifferent manufacturing stations, and may have openings in the sides fordrainage resulting from washing and other manufacturing processes.Shipper cassettes (“shippers”) are closed structures that are generallycovered by a lid to allow transport of the platters to a differentfacility or otherwise along a transport path subject to vibration,contamination, etc. Many thousands of production cassettes and shippercassettes may be utilized in a high volume manufacturing environment tohandle the daily workload.

Standard sized platters, such as 95 mm and 65 mm outer diameter (OD)substrates and discs, can be easily accommodated by existing cassetteconfigurations. However, there is not a ready source cassettes toaccommodate other, non-standard sized substrate and disc (hereinafter“platter”) sizes.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure are generallydirected to a variety of novel cassette configurations to accommodatelarger than standard sized platters. Both production cassettes andshipper cassettes are disclosed. Each of the cassette configurations isadapted to securely support different OD sizes of platters, such asnominally 97 mm platters and nominally 67 mm platters.

In some cases, a cassette is provided with dimensions adapted to supporteach of a plurality of platters having a first diameter. An insertcontactingly engages the cassette to enable the cassette to support eachof a plurality of platters having a different, second diameter. In somecases, the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. In othercases, the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. Infurther cases, the difference between the first and second diameters isnominally at least 2 millimeters (mm).

The insert may form a portion of a pair of opposing inserts that engageopposing sidewalls of the cassette. The insert may be characterized asan adapter mechanism that “stretches” an existing cassette to enable itto accommodate a slightly larger platter. Additionally or alternatively,the insert may be adapted to engage the base of the cassette to supporta lowermost perimeter of the platters having the second diameter.

Without limitation, embodiments of the various cassette configurationsare adapted to support enlarged sized substrates and discs for use instandard HDD form factor sizes. For purposes of illustration and not byway of limitation, substrates having an outer diameter of nominally 97mm, rather than the standard 95 mm, are used to form corresponding mediafor a 3½ inch form factor HDD. Similarly, substrates having an outerdiameter of nominally 67 mm, rather than the standard 65 mm, are used toform corresponding media for a 2½ inch form factor HDD. Other enhancedsizes can be used. In some cases, substrates of nominally 98 mm and 68mm are used. In other cases, substrates of nominally 99 and 69 mm areused. In still other cases, substrates of from about 96.9 mm up to about100.4 mm can be used for 3½ inch form factor drives, and substrates offrom about 66.9 mm up to about 71.8 mm can be used for 2½ inch formfactor drives. In still further cases, substrates greater than 100.4 mmare used in 3½ in form factor drives and substrates greater than 71.8 mmare used in 2½ inch form factor drives. Other ranges can be used.

The use of 97 mm and 67 mm substrates, respectively, nominally providesan additional 2 mm of radial distance outwardly for each substrate ascompared to the standard substrate sizes of 95 mm and 65 mm. Such sizesof substrates, and finished recording media, can be readily accommodatedin the associated form factor sizes; more specifically, a 97 mm disc hasbeen found to be readily be accommodated into a 3½ inch form factor HDDwith nominal dimensions of about 146.1 mm by about 101 mm, and a 67 mmdisc has been found to be readily be accommodated into a 2½ inch formfactor HDD with nominal dimensions of about 101 mm by about 73 mm.

These and other features of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure can be understood beginning with a review of FIG. 1 whichprovides a top plan view of an example substrate 100. The substrate 100is formed of glass, and may be subjected to chemical processing as isknown in the art. Other material configurations and processing can beused, such as a metal substrate, a ceramic substrate, a plasticsubstrate, a semiconductor substrate, etc. The substrate 100 has anoverall diameter D, which in this case is nominally 97 mm, and withoutlimitation is designed for recording media to be used in a hard discdrive (HDD) of 3½ inch form factor. Other sizes can be used, includingbut not limited to 98 mm, 99 mm, 100 mm, 100.8 mm, etc.

The substrate 100 has a center point 102 about which the substrate (andfinished medium) is configured to rotate. An inner sidewall 104 forms acentral aperture in the substrate 100. The sidewall is provided at aselected radius such as nominally 12.5 mm from the center point 102. Thesubstrate has an outer sidewall 106, which constitutes a substantiallyvertically extending edge, at a radius of nominally 48.5 mm from thecenter point 102. It will be appreciated that other diameters for thesubstrate 100 can be used, including without limitation an outerdiameter of nominally 96.9 mm to nominally 100.8 mm.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan for a substrate 110 that is also formed of glass(or other suitable material) and subjected to chemical processing asknown in the art. The substrate 110 has an overall diameter D which inthis case is nominally 67 mm. Without limitation, the substrate isdesigned for recording media to be used in an HDD with a 2½ inch formfactor. Other material configurations and processing can be used. Aswith the substrate 100, the substrate 110 is configured for rotationabout a center point 112 and has an interior sidewall 114 at radius 12.5mm and an outer sidewall 116 at nominally 34 mm. As before, other outerdiameters for the substrate 110 can be used including, withoutlimitation, diameters of nominally 66.9 mm to nominally 72.8 mm.

While FIGS. 1-2 show non-standard sized substrates that are slightlylarger than the 95 mm and 65 mm classes of substrates, othernon-standard sizes of substrates can be utilized, including but notlimited to substrates having an outermost diameter of nominally 44 mm,45 mm, 46 mm, 84 mm, 85 mm, 86 mm, etc.

FIG. 3 shows another substrate 120 in accordance with some embodiments.The substrate 120 is shown in a cross-sectional elevational mode. Aspectratios and other relative dimensional aspects may vary. The substrate120 has an inner sidewall 122 at radius R1 and an outer sidewall 123 atradius R2. These values R1 and R2 can correspond to the radii set forthin FIGS. 1-2 above for the 97 mm substrate 100 and the 67 mm substrate110, or can correspond to other values. Inner and outer chamferedsurfaces are respectively depicted at 124, 125 and 126,127. Thechamfered surfaces extend at an angle of 45 degrees although otherangles can be used as desired, such as but not limited to 25 degrees.Opposing top and bottom flat surfaces are denoted at 128 and 129.

The substrates 100, 110 and 120 are in an unpolished state and can bemanufactured using known processing techniques apart from thespecialized dimensions and other information disclosed herein. FIG. 4depicts a polished substrate 130 corresponding to the substrates 100,110 and 120 after the application of a polishing process. The polishedsubstrate 130 has upper and lower flat surfaces 132, 134, outer sidewall136 (OD surface), and upper and lower relief zones 138, 140. The reliefzones 138, 140 are characterized as duboff (DO) zones and provide aradiused decrease in elevational topography of the substrate withrespect to the respective flat surfaces 132, 134. It will be appreciatedthat the substrate 130 is merely illustrative and different relativedimensions of the various depicted aspects can be provided. Thepre-polishing profile is depicted in broken line fashion.

A head is denoted at 142 and may represent a data transducing head(transducer) used once a magnetic recording structure has been formed onthe substrate 130, or may represent a special test head (e.g., a glidehead) used during evaluation of the polished substrate prior to magneticstructure fabrication.

It can be seen that the polishing process generally rounds off the sharpjunctions between the flat surfaces and the outer chamfered surfaces,and erodes the substrate toward the substrate center point. Referencepoint A generally depicts an outer extent of the upper flat surface 132and thus denotes the radial transition point between the flat surface132 and the DO relief zone 138. Point A is sometimes referred to as aradius of rolloff, or ROR point. Reference point B represents a point atwhich the head 142 experiences unstable flight characteristics due tothe negative deviation distance between the flat surface 132 and therelief zone 138 at this point. As noted above, this can vary based on avariety of factors but in some cases may be on the order of about100-200 nm.

Reference point C identifies the maximum deviation distance from the(original) flat surface elevation of the substrate, and thus indicatesthe maximum change in thickness resulting from the polishing process.Reference point D identifies the outermost extent of the recording areaon the finished magnetic recording disc.

It will be appreciated that the various layers of the recordingstructure may be applied to the entirety of the outer surfaces of thesubstrate 130, but the HDD will be configured such that the outermostactive data track is at the radius corresponding to point D. A ramp loadstructure (not separately shown) may be placed just outside of point Dto facilitate unloading and loading operations of the head 142.

Point D may be at the same location as point B, or may be radiallyinward of point B as shown. The relative locations and spacings ofpoints A-D can vary depending on a variety of factors including thepolishing process, composition of the substrate, chemical processingapplied to the substrate, test data, product specifications, etc.

In some cases, the distance from the outer sidewall (OD surface) 136 topoint A may be on the order of from about 2.2 mm to about 2.5 mm. Thedistance from the OD surface 136 to point B may be on the order of fromabout 1 mm to about 1.5 mm. The distance from the OD surface 136 topoint C may be on the order of from about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm. Thedistance from the OD surface 136 to point D may be on the order of fromabout 1.8 mm to about 2.0 mm. These ranges are merely exemplary andother respective radial distances may be obtained, including distancesthat are greater or smaller than these ranges.

FIG. 5 represents another example polished substrate 150, which also mayarise from the application of a polishing process to one of theforegoing unpolished substrates 100, 110, 120. The polished substrate150 exhibits a ski jump (SJ) relief zone configuration, characterized asa positive elevation in the relief zone adjacent the OD of thesubstrate. The ski jump profile is generated by displacement of thesubstrate material during the polishing process. In some cases, both DOand SJ characteristics may arise on the same substrate at differentangular locations around the perimeter of the substrate.

The polished substrate 150 includes opposing upper and lower flatsurfaces 152, 154; outer sidewall (OD surface) 156; and upper and lowerski jump (SJ) relief zones 158, 160. As before, point A denotes an outerradial extent of the flat surfaces 152, 154, and therefore connotates aradius of rolloff (ROR) point. Point B denotes the maximum change inelevation over the relief zones 158, 160 at which a head 162 becomesunstable. Point C is the location of the maximum elevation of the reliefzones 158, 160, and point D represents the outermost radial extent ofthe recording area on the finished recording disc. The various distancesfrom the OD surface 156 to points A-D may correspond to the valuesprovided above in FIG. 4, or may be different.

FIG. 6 is a generalized flow diagram to illustrate aspects of amanufacturing process 200 that may be used to manufacture hard discdrives (HDDs) that incorporate substrates as set forth by FIGS. 1-5. Thevarious operational blocks are illustrative only and can be modified,carried out in a different order or omitted. Additional operations canbe incorporated into the flow as desired. The various operational blocksmay be carried out at a common facility, or products may be fabricatedand transported to different, geographically distributed facilitiesduring the course of the manufacturing process.

Substrates are initially cut from sheet glass or other substratematerial at block 202. The substrates will generally have the shapeshown in FIG. 3 and may have a desired nominal outer diameter (OD)dimension such as illustrated in FIG. 1 or 2.

Chemical processing may be applied to the cut substrates at block 204.Such processing may change the chemical arrangement and/or structure ofthe substrates to better undergo downstream processing.

The substrates are next polished at block 206. This can involve theconcurrent polishing of a plurality of substrates in rotatable carriersbetween opposing upper and lower pads as known in the art. A polishingslurry may be applied to aid the polishing process. The resultingpolished substrates may have OD relief zones such as depicted in FIG. 4and/or FIG. 5.

As desired, substrate testing is carried out at block 208. In somecases, a specially configured glide head may be hydrodynamicallysupported adjacent a rotating substrate to evaluate variouscharacteristics of the substrate, including flatness and radial extentof the ROR point. As noted above, one feature of using larger thanstandard sized substrates is the potential improvement in manufacturingyields at this point in the process, since an enlarged flat surface areaof a substrate as disclosed herein may allow a greater percentage of thesubstrates to provide acceptable flight characteristics out to aspecified radius, and therefore, be accepted for subsequent processing.

Recording layer deposition operations are denoted at block 210. As willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art, a number of layers ofmagnetic and non-magnetic material can be successively deposited on abase substrate including, but not limited to, seed layers, soft magneticunderlayers (SULs), interlayers (ILs), soft magnetic recording layers,hard magnetic recording layers, granular recording layers, continuousgranular coupled (GCC) layers, protective overcoat layers, lubricantlayers, etc. A variety of deposition processing steps can be appliedincluding sputtering, physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapordeposition (CVD), etc. The deposited layers form a recording structurethat is supported by the substrate. In many cases, the entirety of thesubstrate, including top and bottom sides, relief zones and innermostand outermost edges are coated with some or all of these layers. Thefinished medium may be a perpendicular recording medium, a longitudinalrecording medium, a bit patterned medium, a printed medium, a heatassisted magnetic recording (HAMR) medium, etc.

The completed recording media are next tested at step 212. This mayinclude glide head testing to ensure flatness and areal extent as wellas tests of the magnetic characteristics of the recording structure. Itis contemplated that the use of enlarged substrates as disclosed hereinwill tend to provide improved manufacturing yields at this point in theprocess.

The finished media are next installed into hard disc drives (HDDs) atstep 214. This may be carried out using an automated manufacturingprocess. The media are axially stacked onto a rotatable spindle motorhub and installed on an HDD base deck, and an actuator (head/stackassembly) is merged with the media stack to provide a head (dataread/write transducer) adjacent each recording surface of the media.Other HDD components are also installed at this time to provide afinished, operational HDD.

HDD level testing is next performed at block 216. This level of testingmay include the reading and writing of test data to the media. Asbefore, it is contemplated that the enlarged substrates as disclosedherein will provide improved manufacturing yields at this point in theprocess.

During the various foregoing manufacturing process operations, groups ofsubstrates and media (hereafter collectively “platters”) may betemporarily secured within containers to allow the physical manipulationand transport from one operation to the next. FIG. 7 depicts a portionof an automated processing environment 220 that may be incorporated aspart of one or more of the operational blocks of FIG. 6 (or between therespective operations). The environment 220 includes a conveyor line222, various cassettes 224 that may be advanced along the conveyor line222, and automated equipment 226 having a robotic arm 228 with an endeffector 230 sized to individually select, remove and replace platters232 for various processing operations.

The two cassettes 224 depicted in FIG. 7 are shown at right angles toone another to illustrate various aspects of the cassettes. Generally,the cassettes 224 are fully open across the top and are partially openat opposing ends to allow clearance access by the end effector 230 andother manufacturing equipment. The tops of the platters 232 may or maynot project above the sidewalls of the cassettes, as desired.

FIG. 8 is an isometric depiction of one form of cassette 240 to bediscussed in greater detail below. The cassette 240 includes a base 242,opposing sidewalls 244, and partially open, opposing ends 246. Agenerally u-shaped access aperture 248 is provided in each of theopposing ends 246 for clearance by the end effector 230 (see FIG. 7) andother equipment. Other shapes can be used so that a u-shaped opening ismerely exemplary and not limiting.

The cassette 240 includes interior, parallel v-shaped grooves 250adapted to accommodate a first size of platter 252. As discussed below,the cassette 240 is further adapted to receive one or more sets ofinserts to further enable the cassette 240 to accommodate a different,second size of platter.

The cassette 240 can be adapted for use as processing cassettes orshipper cassettes. In the case of processing cassettes, other featurescan be provided such as drainage openings in the sides and bottomsurfaces. In the case of shipper cassettes, lids (not separately shown)can be added to enclose the cassettes and provide further support forthe individual platters. Other features can be incorporated into therespective processing and shipper cassettes as required by a givenapplication.

Various alternative embodiments that utilize base cassettes such as 240will now be discussed. A first cassette embodiment is set forth by FIGS.9-14C, which generally illustrate a cassette assembly 300 that usesinserts with an existing cassette to accommodate different OD sizedplatters.

As depicted in FIG. 9, an existing cassette 302 generally correspondingto the base cassette 240 includes opposing first and second sidewalls304, 305 each having a set of grooves 306 to contactingly support aselected OD size platter having a first overall diameter. The sidewalls304, 305 may include openings 308 along each end to facilitatemanipulation of the platters.

A pair of inserts 310, 312, are adapted to be attached to the respectivesidewalls 304, 305. The inserts 310, 312 are generally L-shaped sidewallportions although other configurations can be used. Each of the inserts310, 312 includes a second set of grooves 314. When installed, theinserts 310, 312 are adapted to support a second, smaller OD sizeplatter. The inserts 310, 312 can have any suitable dimensions, sizesand/or thicknesses.

For reference, respective x, y and z axes are depicted in FIG. 9. Thex-axis generally represents the directional span from one sidewall(e.g., 304) to the next (e.g., 305). The y-axis generally represents theaxial direction along which the inserts 310, 312 are placed into thebase cassette 302 as well as the axial direction along which plattersare loaded into the cassette assembly 300. The z-axis generallyrepresents the axial length of the base cassette 302 (andcorrespondingly, the axial length of each insert 310, 312). Each platteris placed at a different z location within the cassette assembly 300 andextends along an xy plane.

FIG. 10 shows the base cassette 302 of FIG. 9 with a first set ofplatters 316 installed therein. The first set of platters has a first,relatively larger diameter. The first set of platters 316 is supportedby the opposing grooves 306 in the base cassette. FIG. 11 shows the basecassette 302 of FIG. 9 with a second set of platters 318 installedtherein. The second set of platters 318 has a smaller diameter than thefirst platters 316, and is supported by the opposing grooves 314 in therespective inserts 310, 312.

A second set of inserts (not shown) with different dimensions can beinstalled in lieu of the inserts 310, 312 to accommodate a third set ofplatters with a different overall diameter as compared to the first andsecond sets. Although not limiting, in one embodiment the first set ofplatters 316 has an outermost diameter of nominally 95 mm, and thesecond set of platters 318 has an outermost diameter of nominally 67 mm.

The inserts 310, 312 can be provided with latching (securement)mechanisms to facilitate attachment to the base cassette 302. FIG. 12shows a first latching mechanism of the insert 310 comprising a pinmember 320 that extends through an aperture 322 in the sidewall 304. Theaperture 322 may be a drainage aperture to allow cleaning fluids (e.g.,water) to drain from the base cassette 302. Further apertures can beprovided in the base cassette and insert as desired, such as representedat 324 and 326, respectively.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of another arrangement of the base cassette302 and the insert 310 in accordance with some embodiments. The groovesin the sidewall 304 are depicted at 306, and are numbered from 0 to N(where N is a plural number, such as N-26). The insert 310 includes aprojection 328 which contactingly engages the first groove (e.g., groove0) as shown. A second projection (not shown) can similarly contactinglyengage the last groove (e.g., groove 26). The projection 328 can take ageneral v-shape as shown, or some other shape that will contactinglyengage the grooves 306 and tend to cause the insert 310 to remainaffixed to the sidewall 304.

Other securement mechanisms can be employed to secure the inserts 310,312 to the base cassette, such as but not limited to adhesives,fasteners, clamps, straps, rivets, welds, tape, pins, etc., so themechanisms shown in FIGS. 12-13 are merely exemplary and are notlimiting. It will be appreciated that the securement mechanisms arereplicated in both inserts 310, 312. The coupling of the inserts canform a permanent attachment arrangement or a removable attachmentarrangement. If a removable attachment arrangement is used, the insertscan be removed and the base cassette returned to service to support thefirst sized platters.

FIGS. 14A-14C depict typical contacting engagement between differentforms of substrates and media and the respective grooves 306 in the basecassette 302. Corresponding engagement is provided by the secondarygrooves 314 provided in the inserts 310, 312. While v-shaped grooves aredepicted, such are merely exemplary and not necessarily required.

FIG. 14A shows the unpolished substrate 120 from FIG. 2 with thechamfered edges 126, 127 contactingly engaging angled surfaces 330, 332in the groove 306. While it is contemplated that both the chamfers andthe groove surfaces will be at the same nominal angle (such as 45degrees), such is not necessarily required.

FIG. 14B shows the polished substrate 130 from FIG. 4 in a selectedgroove 306. It will be appreciated that a finished disc formed from thesubstrate will generally have the same OD contour and will engage thegroove 306 in substantially the same way. FIG. 14C shows the polishedsubstrate 150 from FIG. 5 in a selected groove. As before, a finisheddisc formed from the substrate will have substantially the same ODcontour and will engage the groove 306 in substantially the same way.

From FIGS. 14A-14C it can be seen that the base cassette 302 and theinserts 310, 312 can be sized to accommodate unpolished substrates,polished substrates and finished media of various sizes. The grooves306, 314 in the base cassette 302 and the inserts 310, 312 generallycontactingly engage the end surfaces of the platters and do not contactthe planar polished/recording surfaces of the platters. The inserts 310,312 allow cassettes sized for standard platter sizes to be efficientlyand easily adapted to support non-standard platter sizes.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate a related embodiment for a cassette assembly 400configured as a shipper cassette to enclose platters for shipment. Asshown in FIG. 15, the cassette assembly 400 generally includes a basecassette 402 with opposing sidewalls 404, 405, grooves 406 formed in thesidewalls 404, 405, and openings 408.

First and second inserts 410, 412 have corresponding grooves 414. Asbefore, the first and second inserts 410, 412 are adapted tocontactingly engage the respective sidewalls 404, 405 of the basecassette 402. Securement mechanisms such as depicted in FIGS. 12-13 canbe used to secure the inserts 410, 412 to the sidewalls 404, 405.

A lid 416 for the cassette assembly 400 is shown in FIG. 16. The view inFIG. 16 is a bottom facing plan view to illustrate a central raisedprojection member 418 that runs the length of the lid. Grooves 420extend across the projection member 418 to contactingly engage the upperperimeters of the platters in a manner similar to FIGS. 14A-14C. The lidfurther includes opposing cover flanges 422, 424 that cover the openings408.

FIG. 17 shows the base cassette 402 and lid 416 to support a first setof platters 426 having a first overall diameter. FIG. 18 additionallyshows the inserts 410, 412 to support a second set of platters 428having a smaller, second overall diameter. As before, the respectivebase cassette 402 and the inserts 410, 412 can have any suitabledimensions to accommodate respective sizes of platters. In onenon-limiting example, the platters 426 have an outermost diameter ofnominally 95 mm, and the platters 428 have an outermost diameter of 67mm. Regardless of the respective sizes, it will be appreciated that theinserts 310, 312 and 410, 412 allow the base cassettes 302, 402 tosupport relatively smaller diameter platters.

FIGS. 19-22 illustrate another embodiment for a cassette assembly 500.The cassette assembly 500 includes a base cassette 502 with opposingsidewalls 504 and 505, grooves 506, and openings 508. A one-piece insert510 includes opposing sidewalls 512, 514 with grooves 516 therein. Endsupport members 518 and 520 interconnect the respective ends of thesidewalls 512, 514 to rigidly establish the separation distancetherebetween. To this end, the one-piece insert 510 is similar to theinserts of the cassette assemblies 300 and 400 in that the respectivesidewalls 512, 514 (also referred to herein as first and second inserts)of the one-piece insert 510 contactingly engage the correspondingsidewalls 504, 505 of the base cassette 502.

However, the insert 510 is characterized as an adapter which extends, orspreads, the sidewalls 504, 505 of the base cassette 502 uponinstallation. The sidewalls 512, 514 are provided with longitudinallyextending top support members 522, 524 with respective shoulder surfaces526, 528 that engage top surfaces 530, 532 of the sidewalls 504, 505 ofthe base cassette 502. In this way, the end support members 518, 520wedge between the sidewalls 504, 505 to deform the sidewalls 504, 505away from each other, enabling the cassette assembly 500 to accommodatea slightly larger sized platter 534 (see FIG. 22).

In other words, the sidewalls 504, 505 in the base cassette 502 arenominally separated by a first distance, and the insert 510 spreads thebase cassette 302 so that the opposing first and second sidewalls of thebase cassette are deflected by the adapted so to be separated by alarger, second distance. In one example, the base cassette 502 isadapted to support platters of nominally 95 mm in diameter, and theinstallation of the adapter 510 enables the base cassette 502 to supportplatters of nominally 97 mm in diameter. In another example, the basecassette 502 is adapted to support platters of nominally 65 mm indiameter, and the installation of the adapter 510 enables the basecassette 502 to support platters of nominally 67 mm in diameter. Otherrespective sizes of platters can be used.

It is contemplated that the adapter 510 can be configured to engage thefirst and last grooves 506 (e.g., grooves 0 and 26) of the cassettesidewalls 504, 505. Openings 536 can be provided in the end supportmembers 518, 520 to allow access to the loaded platters.

FIGS. 23-27 depict another embodiment for a cassette assembly 600similar to the cassette assemblies discussed above. As best shown inFIG. 23, the cassette assembly 600 includes a base cassette 602 withopposing sidewalls 604, 605 each having a series of spaced apart grooves606. The sidewall 604 includes a substantially vertical portion 604A andan angled portion 604B. The sidewall 605 includes a substantiallyvertical portion 605A and angled portion 605B. The grooves 606 extendalong each of the vertical portions 604A, 605A and angled portions 604B,605B. Openings 608 on each end of the base cassette 602 provide accessclearance.

A substantially trapezoidal-shaped insert 610 is adapted for placementwithin a lower extent of the base cassette 602. The insert 610 includesspaced-apart grooves 612 adapted to support the lowermost peripheraledges of a set of platters. The angled portions 604B, 605B also supportrespective side edges of the platters.

The size of the insert 610 is adjusted to accommodate a particularplatter diameter. FIG. 24A shows a first insert 610A adapted for arelatively larger platter, and FIG. 24B shows a second insert 610Badapted for a relatively smaller platter. Both inserts 610A, 610B can bealternately installed into the base cassette 602. While a press-fit isenvisioned, various securement mechanisms as discussed above can be usedto retain the inserts.

FIG. 25 illustrates the use of the first insert 610A to support a firstset of platters 614, and FIG. 26 illustrates the use of the secondinsert 610B to support a second set of platters 616. As desired,respective lids (top covers) 618, 620 can be affixed to the basecassette 602 to enclose the cassette assembly 600. Grooved projections622, 624 can be provided to support the topmost peripheral edges of therespective sets of platters 614, 616 as shown. In some cases, theseparation distance between the vertical portions 604A, 604B maynominally correspond to the diameter of the platters, in which case theplatters are also supported by these portions as well.

FIGS. 27-29 provide schematic depictions of the cassette assembly 600.The respective angles and lengths of the angled portions 604B, 605B canbe selected to support the different sizes of platters 614, 616. It iscontemplated that the cassette assembly 600 will provide sufficientbottom and side support of the respective platters to ensure secureconfinement of the platters. As can be seen from FIGS. 27-29, while itis contemplated that the inserts 610A, 610B may be trapezoidal-shaped,such is not necessarily required.

It will now be appreciated that the various embodiments of the presentdisclosure can present a number of features useful in the art. Byenlarging the size of a substrate for a magnetic recording disc from thestandard sizes of 95 mm and 65 mm, enhanced data recording and readcharacteristics can be achieved over the entirety of the radial distanceof a recording area of the discs formed from such substrates. Enhancedperformance at the outermost extents of the recording media can beobtained.

Both standard and newly configured cassettes can be provided toaccommodate a variety of different standard and non-standard sizedplatters (substrates and discs). This allows designers to quickly changeto different platter dimensions and accommodate processing and shipmentof the platters in a manufacturing (or other) process without the needto order or obtain new, replacement base cassettes adapted to the newsize.

Since the base cassettes are already provided with sizes and shapesadapted for the existing manufacturing (or other) processes,compatibility with the existing processes will tend to be assured (e.g.,compatibility with existing conveyors, end effectors, etc. will bemaintained even in the presence of the inserts). If a removableattachment arrangement is used, the base cassettes can be temporarilyrelegated for use in supporting the new sized platters through theprocess until final, new cassettes are fabricated and implemented forthe new size of platters. At this point, as desired the inserts can beremoved and the base cassettes returned to service in supporting theoriginally sized platters for other products in the manufacturing flow.Alternatively, a different set of inserts can be installed to supportstill another non-standard sized platter.

While dimensions of 146.1 by 101 mm have been provided for a 3½ inchform factor disc and 101 by 73 mm have been provided for a 2½ inch formfactor disc drive, it will be appreciated that small variations in thesedimensions can be provided while still providing drives in theserespective form factor classes.

Finally, while various embodiments presented herein have been in theenvironment of the manufacturing of data recording media, it will beappreciated that the various embodiments can be readily adapted to anynumber of other environments where platter-shaped members aremanipulated, such as but not limited to semiconductor wafers.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure have beenset forth in the foregoing description, this description is illustrativeonly, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters ofstructure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the presentdisclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning ofthe terms wherein the appended claims are expressed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cassette assembly adapted to store disc-shapedplatters, the cassette assembly comprising: a base cassette having abase and opposing first and second sidewalls configured to support anoutermost perimeter of each of a first plurality of disc-shaped plattershaving a first diameter, the first plurality of disc-shaped platterscomprising substrates of magnetic data recording discs, the first andsecond sidewalls separated by a first separation distance therebetween;and an insert placed within the base cassette between the first andsecond sidewalls, the insert characterized as a cassette adaptercomprising opposing third and fourth sidewalls and at least oneintervening support member connected to the respective third and fourthsidewalls to maintain the third and fourth sidewalls at a fixedseparation distance therebetween greater than the first separationdistance, each of the third and fourth sidewalls having a plurality ofspaced apart grooves to contactingly support an outermost perimeter ofeach of a second plurality of disc-shaped platters having a different,second diameter greater than the first diameter, the second plurality ofdisc-shaped platters comprising substrates of magnetic data recordingdiscs.
 2. The cassette assembly of claim 1, the opposing first andsecond sidewalls of the base cassette each comprising a second pluralityof spaced apart grooves to contactingly support an outermost perimeterof each of the first plurality of disc-shaped platters without applyinga compressive force thereto.
 3. The cassette assembly of claim 1, thesecond diameter being at least 1 millimeter, mm larger than the firstdiameter.
 4. The cassette assembly of claim 3, the second diameter beingat least 2 mm larger than the first diameter.
 5. The cassette assemblyof claim 1, the opposing sidewalls of the base cassette comprising asecond plurality of spaced apart grooves adapted to contactingly engageoutermost perimeters of the first plurality of disc-shaped platterswithout applying an inwardly directed compressive force thereto, theopposing first and second sidewalls nominally separated by a firstdistance without the insert, the insert characterized as a one-pieceadapter which spreads the base cassette so that the opposing first andsecond sidewalls are deflected so to be separated by a larger seconddistance sufficient to accommodate the second plurality of disc-shapedplatters without applying an inwardly directed compressive forcethereto.
 6. The cassette assembly of claim 1, the first diametercomprising an overall diameter of nominally 65 mm so that the basecassette is adapted to contactingly support the outermost perimeter ofeach of the first plurality of disc-shaped platters having an outermostdiameter of nominally 65 mm without inducing compressive stress uponsaid first plurality of disc-shaped platters.
 7. The cassette assemblyof claim 1, the first diameter comprising an overall diameter ofnominally 95 mm so that the base cassette is adapted to contactinglysupport the outermost perimeter of each of the first plurality ofdisc-shaped platters having an outermost diameter of nominally 95 mmwithout inducing compressive stress upon said first plurality ofdisc-shaped platters.
 8. The cassette assembly of claim 1, the firstdiameter comprising an overall diameter of nominally 95 mm, the seconddiameter comprising an overall diameter of nominally 97 mm.
 9. Thecassette assembly of claim 1, the first diameter comprising an overalldiameter of nominally 65 mm, the second diameter comprising an overalldiameter of nominally 67 mm.
 10. A cassette assembly adapted to storedisc-shaped platters, the cassette assembly comprising: a substantiallyrectilinear base cassette having a base at a bottom portion of the basecassette, opposing first and second enclosed sidewalls extendingupwardly from the base to corresponding distal ends, the first andsecond side walls being spaced apart a first distance, partially openend walls extending upwardly from opposing ends of the base to adjointhe first and second sidewalls, a first set of spaced apart groovesformed in the first sidewall, and a second set of spaced apart groovesformed in the second sidewall aligned with the first set of spaced apartgrooves to support outer perimeters of a first plurality of thedisc-shaped platters having a first outermost diameter; and a one-pieceadapter that contactingly engages the first and second sidewalls of thebase cassette to spread apart the first and second sidewalls to a seconddistance greater than the first distance to accommodate a secondplurality of the disc-shaped platters having a second outermost diameterlarger than the first outermost diameter, the adapter comprisingopposing third and fourth sidewalls and at least one intervening supportmember connected to the respective third and fourth sidewalls tomaintain the third and fourth sidewalls at a fixed separation distancetherebetween, each of the third and fourth sidewalls having an outersurface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the third sidewallcomprising a third set of spaced apart grooves, the inner surface of thefourth sidewall comprising a fourth set of spaced apart grooves alignedwith the third set of spaced apart grooves to support the outerperimeters of the second plurality of disc-shaped platters.
 11. Thecassette assembly of claim 10, further comprising a first attachmentmechanism affixed to the third sidewall and adapted to contactinglyengage the first sidewall, and a second attachment mechanism affixed tothe fourth sidewall and adapted to contactingly engage the secondsidewall.
 12. The cassette assembly of claim 10, wherein the disc-shapedplatters comprise substrates for magnetic recording media.
 13. Thecassette assembly of claim 12, wherein the second outermost diameter isat least 2 millimeters (mm) greater than the first outermost diameter.14. The cassette assembly of claim 10, wherein the at least oneintervening support member comprises a first end support whichinterconnects respective first ends of the third and fourth sidewalls,the adapter further comprising an opposing second end support whichinterconnects opposing second ends of the third and fourth sidewalls.15. A cassette assembly comprising a base cassette and an insert for usewith the base cassette, the base cassette having a base and opposingfirst and second sidewalls separated by a first distance to support anoutermost perimeter of each of a first plurality of disc-shaped plattershaving a first diameter without applying an inwardly directedcompressive force thereto, the insert characterized as a spreadinginsert which spreads the first and second sidewalls to a second distancegreater than the first distance to enable the base cassette to supportan outermost perimeter of each of a second plurality of disc-shapedplatters having a second diameter at least 1 mm greater than the firstdiameter without applying an inward directed compressive force thereto,the insert comprising third and fourth sidewalls adapted to respectivelycontactingly engage the opposing respective first and second sidewallsof the base cassette and at least one intervening support memberinterconnected between the third and fourth sidewalls to maintain thethird and fourth sidewalls at the second greater distance, each of thethird and fourth sidewalls comprising a plurality of spaced apartgrooves to contactingly support an outermost perimeter of each of thesecond plurality of disc-shaped platters.
 16. The cassette assembly ofclaim 15, the base cassette characterized as a substantially rectilinearbox-like structure having a base, opposing first and second sidewallsextending upwardly from the base, partially open end walls extendingupwardly from opposing ends of the base to adjoin the first and secondsidewalls, a first set of spaced apart grooves formed in the firstsidewall, and a second set of spaced apart grooves formed in the secondsidewall aligned with the first set of spaced apart grooves at a firstseparation distance therebetween to support the outer perimeters of thefirst plurality of disc-shaped platters, the insert characterized as asingle piece adapter which spreads the base cassette so that theopposing first and second sidewalls of the base cassette are deflectedby the adapter to a larger, second separation distance therebetween. 17.The cassette assembly of claim 15, the disc-shaped platterscharacterized as magnetic recording media.
 18. The cassette assembly ofclaim 15, the disc-shaped platters characterized as substrates formagnetic recording media.
 19. The cassette assembly of claim 10, whereinthe first diameter comprises an overall diameter of nominally 95millimeters, mm, and the second diameter is at least 96 mm.
 20. Thecassette assembly of claim 19, wherein the second diameter is nominally97 mm.
 21. The cassette assembly of claim 10, wherein the first diametercomprises an overall diameter of nominally 65 millimeters, mm, and thesecond diameter is at least 66 mm.
 22. The cassette assembly of claim21, wherein the second diameter is nominally 67 mm.